Kenya travel advice

There is a high threat from terrorism in Kenya. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers. Previous attacks have included a bomb attack on a hotel, which resulted in significant loss of life, and an unsuccessful attempt to bring down a civilian airliner in Mombasa, both in November 2002.

Travellers are advised against all but essential travel to low income areas of Nairobi, including all township or slum areas, which experience high crime levels.

We advise against all but essential travel to within 30km (18 miles) of Kenya's border with Somalia. There have been recent attacks by Somali militia into Kenya.

Cases of kidnapping have increased recently in Nairobi and some other major towns. Some have been opportunist crimes linked to car-jackings, while others appear to have been more organised. A resident British citizen was kidnapped on 29 October 2009 and two other recent incidents involved resident European nationals. Although there is no evidence of the expatriate community being specifically targeted, both resident and visiting British citizens should remain vigilant at all times.

Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, especially for shipping which does not take appropriate precautions or follow agreed shipping industry best practice guidelines.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel